Solstice is coming!We are Space Travellers on a fixed pathMaking our way around The SunOur Earth Ship sits at a haughty angleWhich gives us seasonal fun.The Sun is nearing the Northest pointof our view celestial,It's time to celebrate and sing!At a Solstice Festival!

I made a couple of videos in late May! They have been added to the 'Webinars and Podcasts' page in the Member Area. The first is just over 40 minutes, Birth Cartography 101. After a false start, thanks to a lack of internet, the webinar happened on May 20th. The second is called 'Birth and the Bushwalk'. There are also two new audios. Please let me know what you think...what do you want more of?The Resources page has also had the pdf of 'Women's experiences of Support' added. The discussion is well worth a read. I came across several points of interest since the last newsletter, what do think? What caught your attention?'Birth Before Arrival' was getting airtime again, these birth stories are sensational, we seem to revel in the drama, the excitement, the knife edge moments. I have long advocated for the Fast Birth Pathway, which appeals to people who like to avoid drama and unnecessary nonsense. I take a very practical approach to birth preparation, and there is mounting evidence that it means safer, calmer, more confident, more positive birth. Why risk a roadside birth, or a high speed car ride? Take the time to prepare, just in case. Take responsibility. This preparation enhances all the possible pathways. I have added my current service options (and fees) to my website.

STORYTIME: PerfectThis is a delightful story. Once a Story has been sent via the newsletter it is placed into the Member Area/storytime.POINTS OF INTEREST

WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES OF CONTINUOUS SUPPORT DURING CHILDBIRTH: A META-SYNTHESISADDED TO RESOURCES in the member area: Women’s experiences of continuous support during childbirth: a meta-synthesis looks at the different types of support, this comes from the discussion (the numbers refer to references):The current meta-synthesis indicated that the doula was perceived as the ideal support person compared to a relative or husband with vested emotions in the birth of ‘their baby’ [47, 49]. Doulas provided individualised attention to women [47– 49], emotional support to husbands and were links between women and midwives [45–47]. Doulas provide care directly matching individual women’s needs and desires [48, 49, 52] by actively involving women in the birthing process and by empowering them through providing information and advice, as well as emotional and physical support [45, 48, 49, 52]. These findings are supported by the review of Bohen et al. [4] who identified the elements of childbirth support as ‘provision of information and advice, emotional support, continuous presence, comfort measures and advocacy’.

DOES BREASTFEEDING REALLY BELONG IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM?This conversation article by Dr Amy Brown argues the YES case. This is not a new idea, but rather one that keeps being raised and brushed aside (waiting for a man to suggest it? too hard? too controversial?)WHAT IF YOU DON'T MAKE IT TO HOSPITAL IN TIME?Dr Hannah Dahlen spoke to ABC podcast's Babytalk about "Birth Before Arrival'. The intro is dramatic and contains a stupid disclaimer*. Hannah, however, is a voice of reason. She covers the evidence and the realities, and she looks at the benefits of leaving the cord alone. She simplifies and puts things into perspective. This is such a sensational topic, it does not need to be the drama. She suggested 2nd births are best (and most likely to be the fast one), I think birth 3 was the best though...*just my opinion

IS HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA (JAUNDICE) ACTUALLY AN EVOLUTIONARY ADAPTATION TO PROTECT AGAINST GBS INFECTION IN NEWBORNS?This study is interesting, and is perhaps another reason to leave the umbilical cord intact to facilitate a full placental transfusion. (I have added this link to my GBS post)

TWINS - What is the right time to be born?What I liked about this article was that it highlights that the Questions we ask are very important. I came to this article via another written by the same author:How Dangerous is "Advanced Maternal Age"?This article addresses the 'high risking' of women based on a single factor.

THE SYSTEM NEEDS TO CHANGE!We need maternity care providers who respect and listen to womenis a response to an Irish article which basically said women need to lower their expectations*, because the reality is the maternity system can not produce the births they expect. Rather than change the system, women were encouraged to lower their expectations and accept medicalise and paternal maternal care. The authors of the response say:"A recent qualitative systematic review showed that what matters most to women is a positive birth experience, preferably with minimal intervention. A positive birth experience is characterised by not only having a healthy baby but also feeling safe, supported and reassured by staff who are competent and kind.A good birth experience is one where women feel respected, rather than undermined, in their choices."*I wrote a poem about lowing your expectationsIt seems so simple...show respect. Instead of fear mongering, provide knowledge. Instead of authoritative, be collaborative.Another recent study, from Australian midwifery researchers, was discussed on 'Today'. I watched the segment and found the obstetrician very system-centred. As the Midwife-Researcher points out, this study is based on low-risk (that is uncomplicated) pregnancies. If you go into a system with all the bells and whistles - you have a much greater chance of getting all the bells and whistles. If you want a simple, straightforward birth: home is where the heart is. MY BLOGGING (updated posts):

For something different, I am using both these posts to try out a new (to me) function: audio!I recorded both these posts, if you prefer to listen: You will find the audio files here.Please let me know what you think.

This Community Chest Singapore video brought me to tears. I had to share it with you, as 'Community' is so very important. What is community? When we live in larger groups, where we may not know our neighbours, 'community' takes on a different meaning. It is possible to give without being patronising. It is possible to give meaningfully, with kindness, and no wish for personal gain.

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Catherine is a member of the Doula Network Australia

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